Newsroom
Three European countries have pulled out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union refused to hold a vote on whether Israel should be allowed to compete, a decision that has reopened political tensions around one of Europe’s biggest entertainment events.
State broadcasters in Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia say they won’t take part or air next year’s show, arguing that Israel’s participation is unacceptable amid the war in Gaza and growing worries about political meddling in the public vote. The Netherlands also raised concerns, though it hasn’t formally quit.
The withdrawals came after an EBU general assembly in Geneva, where Spain’s RTVE, backed by seven other broadcasters, pushed for a secret ballot on Israel’s eligibility. Delegates rejected the request. Instead, members agreed only to discuss and adopt new rules meant to limit government interference in Eurovision’s voting system.
RTVE accused the EBU of dodging the real issue, saying the refusal to hold a vote “intensifies our distrust” and “confirms the political pressures surrounding the contest.” Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, publicly backed the decision to walk away, saying “culture must stand on the side of peace and justice.”
Ireland’s RTÉ said it could not justify taking part while civilian deaths in Gaza continue to climb, calling participation “morally unacceptable.” Slovenia’s RTVS echoed that stance, saying it cannot support competing “under the current circumstances.”
The dispute follows months of controversy after Israel finished second in Eurovision 2025, triggering complaints that a government-backed promotional campaign may have influenced the public vote. In response, the EBU introduced stricter rules to shield the voting system from outside pressure, including from governments.
In this week’s meeting, 65% of broadcasters voted against holding a ballot on Israel’s participation. Only 23% were in favor, while 10% abstained.
